DSU biologist publishes paper honoring the work of former dean
Cleveland, MS (03/24/2025) — CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University is proud to announce the publication of A Hidden Gem: Honoring Henry Judson Jacob for His Contribution to the Delta State University Herbarium by Dr. Nina Lucille Baghai-Riding, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science and Herbarium Manager at the Delta State University Herbarium (DSC). This paper, published in The Vasculum, the official newsletter of The Society of Herbarium Curators, celebrates Dr. Jacob's significant contributions to botanical research and conservation.
Dr. Henry Judson Jacob, though not a professional botanist, made an enduring impact on Delta State University and the broader scientific community through his passion for plant collection and education. Between 1946 and 1974, Jacob assembled over 1,700 specimens, which are now housed at the DSC Herbarium. His collections span 37 Mississippi counties and several other states, with a particular emphasis on diverse habitats such as wetlands and aquatic ecosystems. His work provides invaluable insights into plant diversity, ecology, and the long-term effects of environmental changes, making it a crucial resource for the study of plant systematics and geography.
"Dr. Jacob's dedication to plant collection and preservation has left an indelible mark on Delta State University and beyond," said Baghai-Riding. "His specimens continue to offer vital information for researchers studying plant distribution, ecological shifts, and climate change."
The Vasculum was established in 2006 to promote and expand the role of herbaria in botanical research, education, and community service. It serves as a key communication tool for the Society of Herbarium Curators (SHC), which was founded in 2004 to unite herbarium professionals worldwide in fostering scientific advancement and the preservation of botanical collections.
For more information about the Delta State University Herbarium and its collections, please visit www.deltastate.edu/nursing-health-sciences/mathematics-sciences/or contact Dr. Nina Baghai-Riding at nbaghai@deltastate.edu.
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About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,700 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 14 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.
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